Glee: Season 3 Episode 22: Goodbye – TV Review

Last night’s season finale of Glee was exactly what we expected it to be, emotional and borderline tearful. It was time to say farewell to the seniors of the New Directions. Some of the kids are headed West to Hollywood, others to NYC, and a few might just stay in Lima.

Episode Title: “Goodbye”

The William McKinley High School class of 2012 graduates, and the glee club bids adieu to its graduating seniors.

The Good:

Burt Hummel’s Graduation Gift: Mike O’Malley returned as Burt Hummel. Hooray! He’s such a delightful character, and last night, he gave us another reason to smile. His gift to Kurt was a performance of Beyonce‘s “Single Ladies.” Seeing him dance to the number, inter-cut with flashbacks of Kurt doing the same was funny and sweet.

Quinn’s Reflection: Though it doesn’t make sense that Quinn’s spine healed so quickly, we’re glad she can walk again. Especially since she continues to do selfless gestures like help Puckerman study for his History final. He needed a boost of confidence and Quinn made sure to give him that. She knew that a kiss would lift his spirits and possibly help him pass that test. And it did. There was also that conversation with Sue Sylvester. Both put their guards down and approached each other like real human beings. Quinn’s come a long way and deserves every bit of her success.

Future in the Choir Room: That moment in the choir room was surreal and heartbreaking. Only Rachel got what she wanted, while Finn and Kurt got rejected. It was a bitter dose of reality.

Goodbye Rachel Berry: Rachel’s send off to New York was downright cheesy, but also powerful. Yes, the “I have to set you free” speech from Finn was cliché, as was the moment when he ran alongside the train, but it all worked. Finchel needed to breakup. To quote Finn, both of them needed to surrender each other. Rachel is a star. If Finn kept her from her dreams, he would’ve hated himself for it later on. This is the best possible ending for them — for now.

The Bad:

The Flashbacks: There were flashbacks to old episodes throughout the finale. They were a nice touch at first. But they were so few and far between that it would have been best to leave them out. It felt inconsistent.

No Backup Plan: One of the things that’s been most bothersome this season is the lack of backup plans. Seriously, who doesn’t have a Plan B? None of them considered other options besides the first one that popped into their head. It’s unrealistic. Hello! When one door closes, another one opens. That’s the saying.

The Music:

“Forever Young,” Rod Stewart – Mr. Schue gives his tribute to the New Directions. His performance is simple and subtle, but in an affective way.

“I’ll Remember,” Madonna – Kurt says goodbye to everyone, but puts emphasis on the guys of the club.

“You Get What Your Give,” New Radicals – The seniors perform for the underclassmen in the choir room. There are no outfit changes or fancy dance numbers, just a fun and friendly performance.

“In My Life,” The Beatles – This might actually be the first time Glee covers The Beatles. Thankfully, their performance didn’t ruin the song. The juniors’ performance was full of emotion.

“Glory Days,” Bruce Springsteen – One by one, the seniors take a bow in their caps and gowns.

“Roots Before Branches,” Room For Two – The final number of the season is also Rachel Berry’s last solo. Figures.

Overall:

The best decision the writers have made all season is to end Rachel and Finn’s road to marriage. Their breakup was sudden, but properly done. That alone opens up new possibilities for next season. Overall, “Goodbye” was a touching ending to a rather emotional season.